Nash Community College makes every effort to provide financial assistance, where need exists, for students whose primary goal is to acquire post-secondary education. While students who qualify for aid are usually assisted, the institution expects that all resources at the students' disposal will be used and that the financial aid will supplement these resources.

All applicants for financial aid at Nash Community College must:

Complete "The Free Application For Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) to receive a "Student Aid Report" which determines eligibility. This can be completed online or over the phone.

Students are encouraged to apply for financial assistance when they apply for admission. To receive financial aid a student must have a high school diploma from an accredited school or High School Equivalency and must be admitted to Nash Community College.

The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to ask for verification of financial information and uses the standards in the current verification guide of the US Department of Education.

Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of need and satisfactory academic progress. It is essential to apply early (January through March) to be given priority consideration for aid since applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Types of Aid

There are two main types of aid for which a student may be eligible: Gift Aid, which consists of grants and scholarships and does not have to be repaid, and Self-Help Aid which consists of loans and part-time employment. Loans must be repaid.

Each program is regulated by federal, state, and institutional policies. The specifics of all aid programs awarded are discussed when the student prepares to sign the "Financial Aid Award and Acceptance Agreement." It is essential to consult the Financial Aid Officer for details concerning financial aid program specifics, rights and responsibilities of the student, budget information, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Gift Aid

Grants

A grant is a gift that does not have to be repaid. Grants available include:

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants make funds available to eligible Nash Community College students based on enrollment status in a one or two-year curriculum. The actual amount of the grant is determined by the Department of Education. Undergraduate students who have a Bachelor's Degree and/or who are in default of student loans or who have received an overpayment are not eligible for Federal Pell Grants.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are gift aid for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs) are given first priority.

North Carolina Community College Grant

Students must be North Carolina residents enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours per semester in curriculum programs. Eligibility is determined based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant may be considered for the grant based on their estimated family contribution as determined on the Student Aid Report. Students who have earned the baccalaureate (4 year) college degree are ineligible.

Child Care Grant Program

Assistance with child care expenses from the Child Care Grant Program is contingent upon availability of funds for qualified students enrolled in eligible programs. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Self-Help Aid

Direct Loan Program

Loans will start being awarded the second week of July.

Nash Community College participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loan Program). As a result of legislative changes, a Federal Stafford loan will originate directly from the federal government instead of private lenders.

Pell and Direct Loan disbursement information

Pell and Direct Loan disbursements are based on a student’s enrollment status for classes that have started. Keep in mind, if your financial aid refund is not what you expected, it could be because the 4 week or 8 week classes that you are registered for have not started. You will only receive funds for what you are currently in session.

Remember that the amount stated in your award letter received from the College is based on full-time enrollment. If you are not enrolled full-time then your financial aid award will be adjusted downward, i.e., 3/4 time, 1/2 time or less than 1/2 time. Students must register for all classes during the registration and extended registration periods. Classes added after these registration periods will not be considered for financial aid award purposes.

Prospective Teacher Scholarship Loan Fund of North Carolina

Any resident of North Carolina who is interested in preparing to teach in a North Carolina public school is eligible to apply. The community college award amounts to $900 for each regular school year. The criteria for the scholarship shall be a measure of academic performance including grade point average, scores on standardized tests, class rank and recommendations of guidance counselors. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Student Loan Program for Health, Science, and Mathematics

In an effort to encourage North Carolinians to pursue career opportunities in the health, science, and mathematics disciplines, the General Assembly appropriates funds for student loans.

Maximum loan amount for each full academic year available for associate degrees is $2,500. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Student Loan Debt Information

Student Employment

The Federal College Work Study Program

The Federal College Work Study Program provides part-time work in academic and administrative departments on campus for eligible students to assist them with paying part of their educational expenses while attending classes. Students must complete the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FASFA), be enrolled at least half-time, and be making satisfactory progress in an eligible program. Applications are available at the link provided below.

To Maintain Eligibility for Financial Aid

To remain eligible for financial aid, a student must satisfy requirements of the following policies:

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Federal Student Financial Handbook states the following: “The regulations forsatisfactory progress were initially published in October 1983 and were amended on December 1, 1987; April 29, 1994; and November 29, 1994. Every school participating in Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Programs must monitor its SFA recipients to ensure that they are meeting satisfactory progress standards.”

Satisfactory academic progress will be calculated at the end of each academic term and will include all periods of enrollment.

In order to be eligible for financial aid, students must meet the following minimum guidelines:

Maximum Time Frame: Students must complete an eligible program within a time frame not to exceed 1.5 times the normal published time frame. For example, if the academic program length is 70 credit hours, the maximum credit hours that may be attempted is 105 credit hours. (70 X 1.5 = 105) The calculation of the maximum time frame includes all hours attempted at Nash Community College and transfer credits from other institutions.

Quantitative Standard: Students must complete 67 percent of the total cumulative credit hours attempted. For example, if a student has attempted 50 credit hours, the student must earn credit for at least 33.5 hours. (50 X .67 = 33.5) Course grades of AU, W, WA, WF, WP, F, and I are not considered completions and will adversely affect a student’s satisfactory academic rate calculations.

Qualitative Standard: Students must maintain successful academic progress as defined by the Nash Community College catalog (1-36 hours attempted, minimum GPA of 1.5; over 36 hours attempted, minimum 2.0 GPA).

Students who fail to meet the minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress at the end of the semester will be placed on financial aid warning. A student may continue to receive financial aid for one semester while on financial aid warning provided they are otherwise eligible. Students should use this opportunity to re-establish satisfactory academic progress.

If, at the end financial aid warning period, the student is meeting the minimum requirements for satisfactory academic progress, the financial aid warning is lifted. Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress after the financial aid warning semester will be ineligible for financial aid until satisfactory progress has meet. A student may attend the next semester(s) (at the student’s expense) in order to meet the minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress.

Financial Aid Policies & Procedures

Financial aid funds are credited to the student's account at the beginning of each semester to be applied to eligible education expenses. Eligible students are allowed to charge their tuition and books against their financial aid funds during registration. The financial aid office will verify class attendance for each financial aid student. Once attendance and enrollment status has been verified, the second payment of the award will be released to the student.

A student must be enrolled in an eligible program to receive financial aid. Any classes taken outside of the student's current program of study will cause adjustments to his/her financial aid award.

The students must affirm by signature that funds received under the Federal Pell Grant or Federal College Work Study will be used solely for expenses related to attendance at Nash Community College, and that they do not owe a refund to any Title IV federal program. Further, the students must affirm that they will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by federal funds.

If a student withdraws from all of his/her classes before the 60 percent point in the enrollment period, he/she will be required to repay a portion of the award to the US Department of Education. The student will need to make arrangements to repay this money back within 45 days from the withdrawal date. The student should understand, as well, that they could possibly become ineligible for financial aid if they do not make arrangements to repay the money back to the US Department of Education.

Financial aid recipients must renew applications each year to be considered for the upcoming academic year as outlined in the "How to Apply for Financial Aid."

Refunds & Repayments

Refunds to students receiving Title IV federal funds will be handled in the same manner as specified in the institutional refund policy. The refund policy of the College shall be consistent with the North Carolina Administrative Code and may designate different refund specifications for curriculum and continuing education. Information regarding refunds may be obtained from the Business Office.

A student may be required to repay a portion of the Student Financial Assistance (SFA) award if he/she withdraws from the institution or reduces his/her course load before the 60 percent point of the enrollment period.

2014-2015 Anticipated Refund Schedule

Fall 2015

Spring 2015

Summer 2015

September 30, 2014

February 27, 2015

June 30, 2015

October 10, 2014

March 10, 2015

October 20, 2014

March 20, 2015

November 10, 2014

April 10, 2015

November 20, 2014

April 20, 2015

December 12, 2014

May 11, 2015

** The College reserves the right to change dates if it becomes necessary due to workflows in the Business or Financial Aid Office. Adjustment to dates will not vary more than 2 days.

REMINDERS:

In order to receive a loan disbursement, you must be enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours at the time funds are scheduled to be disbursed.

Pell disbursements are based on enrollment status for classes that have started. If enrollment in a late- start course changes enrollment status, students will receive another disbursement after the course has started and attendance is verified.

American Opportunity Credit

The American Opportunity Credit is worth up to $2,500 of the cost of tuition and related expenses. The credit amount starts phasing out if you make more than $80,000, or $160,000 if you’re filing a joint return. Even if you don’t make enough money to file a return, file anyway because you may get up to $1,000 back.

Veterans Affairs

A Veterans Certifying Official is available to assist veterans and eligible persons who wish to apply for VA educational assistance. Most programs being offered by the College are approved for training under the G. I. Bill. Application forms and information may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

The VA sponsors the following educational assistance programs for qualifying veterans and other eligible persons: Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 1606, and 1607. Students applying for VA benefits must meet admission requirements. Please refer to the admission section of the Nash Community College catalog or go to the Veteran's Affiars page.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Vocational Rehabilitation Program offers services as necessary to enable a student with a physical and/or mental disability to become self-supporting. Students should contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to apply for education assistance.

Scholarships

Numerous endowed and annually donated scholarships are available at Nash Community College. These scholarships are provided by friends of the College, including individuals, businesses, industries, local agencies, clubs, organizations, and the College Foundation. Many of the awards have been established in memory or honor of loved ones. Individuals may make designated gifts to specific scholarships as listed or may establish new scholarships if they so desire.

Please complete the online Scholarship Application. Hard copies of the application are also available. High school students should submit the completed application to your school guidance counselor.

Ambassador Scholarships

The NCC Foundation will be sponsoring the Student Ambassador Program for the 2013-2014 academic year. Students must have a 3.0 or greater grade point average, a minimum of 12 completed semester hours, and must be willing to assist the college with campus events.

Interested students must submit an application and 2 letters of recommendation.

There are many benefits to this program. In addition to receiving a $2,000 scholarship, ambassadors will receive leadership training and attend events that will help them develop self-sufficiency skills.

Golden Leaf Scholars Program

This program provides, for eligible students, scholarships up to $750.00 per semester for curriculum students to be applied towards their tuition, registration fees, and related community college expenses. Scholarships are need based and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Show financial need as determined by information presented on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicant students are required to disclose other financial aid awards

Curriculum (degree-seeking) students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for a full award. Less than half-time students may be considered pending the availability of funds

Finalists meeting the eligibility criteria will undergo a separate “merit” competition. Selection will be based on:

The effect of the decline in the tobacco industry on his or her family.

The effect of the declining economy on his or her family.

Academic record.

Overall evaluation of the application.

Leadership and community service.

Huffines & Davenport

The Carrie and Luther Huffines and Henry N. and Sidney T. Davenport Educational Funds provide scholarship assistance to qualified students of Nash Community College. All inquiries should be directed to the Nash Community College Foundation.

Students are considered based on the following guidelines:

Students must be residents of Nash or Edgecombe Counties, North Carolina.

Students must demonstrate need, qualities of leadership, good citizenship, force of character and community spirit, and academic progress.

The fund gives preference to qualified students studying medicine or textiles. However, other programs of study may be considered for scholarship assistance.

Students may reapply for additional scholarships for succeeding academic years subject to maintenance of satisfactory academic standing.

Students wishing to apply for scholarships from the Huffines and Davenport funds must complete an application provided online at www.nashcc.edu/hdscholarship and return it along with all required attachments no later than October 24, 2014 to:

Net Price Calculator

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), by October 29, 2011, each postsecondary institution that participates in Title IV federal student aid programs must post a net price calculator on its website that uses institutional data to provide estimated net price information to current and prospective students and their families based on a student's individual circumstances. The net price calculator is required for all Title IV institutions that enroll full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students.Click here for the Net Price Calculator